Conventions

[Nix]

I have never been to one...I know bad me lol... But I am hoping to go to Insurgence 7 (Birmingham, UK) in June (12th to 14th) for The Vampire Diaries & The Originals (I find out at the weekend). So for those that have been to one or more, I have some questions...

What should I take?
What should I expect?
What cons have you been to?

 

[Karma]

@Nix I see the venue for this con is a hotel, Did you reserve a room for the weekend? i always try to do that b/c the only way to really enjoy the "whole experience' is to be there the whole time. plus, if the hotel has a bar, that maeks it even MORE fun

If not, travel light. My experience @ cons (i've been to some comic/anime conventions as well as horror movie conventions) is that depending on the venue , it may be great, or it may be like being in a damn sardine can, & depending on the theme of the con, you may find yourself dealing w/ a bunch of ill mannered teeny boppers (which happens @ the anime conventions & it's annoying a/f).

horror movie cons are gerat b/c alot of times the actresses & actors from the movies will be there for guest panels & interviews & to do autographs & take pics, & that makes it worth while, just be prepared to spend some money on those pics/authorgraphs. they'll make for great keep sakes & conversation pieces.

the biggest LET DOWN con these days is "comic con" which has become so commericialized it's hardly about COMIC BOOKS anymore. It may as well change it's name & premise. I went twice. ONce BEFORE the big changes & once after...& i felt cheated the 2nd time.

 

[Nix]

Thanks. I need as much advice as possible. It's at the hotel but we are staying in a different hotel a taxi ride away. So far I've been told to take a messenger bag, a fan, and a a4 presentation wallet for the photos!

 

[Karma]

Thanks. I need as much advice as possible. It's at the hotel but we are staying in a different hotel a taxi ride away. So far I've been told to take a messenger bag, a fan, and a a4 presentation wallet for the photos!

Okay, so you've got somewhere you can lay your stuff down, that's good. Yeah a messenger bag is good, - obviously bring your phone, any medications you need (just in case), bring some wipes & hand sanitizer, snacks you can carry in your bag (since food @ the cons can be expensive), my personal recommendation is to bring a large, refillable bottled water & some crystal light packs- this will cover your drinks & eliminate the need to spend $ on soft drinks. obviously bring your $ & a credit card since getting pics/signed posters from the actors can add up, plus any special items you want to buy.

unless you're doing COSPLAY, wear a comfortable outfit & sensible shoes. IF you cosplay, bring an extra set of clothing to change into for those late night panels b/c @ some point you're gonna get tired of your outfit lol!

 

[Nix]

Thanks for the advice It's much appreciated.

 

[DonDaddyD]

A list of things you want to buy.

Money, you will need money.

A man bag - or buy your preferred franchise man bag at the convention. You will need this to put your purchases in, it will also make you look cool.

Food, water, a proper camera, a pen, comfortable shoes, wear a dark T-shirt (shit gets sweaty) some to prevent signed photos from folding and more hours than a single day can provide.

Most memorable 'con' I've been to - meeting Captain Benjamin Sisko (Avery Brooks), my smile prevented me from speaking, then he called me "my brother". In my head I was thinking "I'm so happy that I'm black and could experience that!"

All you need to do is enjoy it. Some stunning women there too.

 

[Mary Stuart]

That is a Rogue one right? I've not done any of their conventions and I don't plan on it. Be prepared to wait, there will be lines.

It has been a years since I did the Buffy hotel type conventions. Check out the food at the hotel and if there is anything close by that might be cheaper. Cons are a lot of money, from any costumes you want for the party, the bar, the dealers, I presume they will have a dealer room.

I prefer to go to Showmasters these days.